Paris

In Greek mythology, Paris was a handsome young prince who eloped with the
most beautiful woman in the world and caused the Trojan War*. The son of
King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy*, Paris seemed destined for disaster
from birth. Shortly before he was born, his mother dreamed that she gave
birth to a flaming torch that destroyed Troy. Priam consulted a
seer,
who warned the king that the dream foretold disaster for the city. He
advised Priam to have the baby killed.

seer
one who can predict the future

nymph
minor goddess of nature, usually represented as young and beautiful

When Paris was born, Priam ordered a shepherd named Agelaus to take the
infant and abandon him on Mount Ida. Agelaus followed the instructions,
but when he returned to the mountain after several days, he found the
infant still alive. Moved by pity, the shepherd took the baby home and
raised him as his own son. Paris grew into a very handsome young man. In
time he married Oenone, a mountain
nymph,
and lived with her in the mountains, where he tended cattle.

Paris, a young Trojan prince, had to choose which
goddess—Hera, Aphrodite, or Athena—was most beautiful.
His decision, known as the judgment of Paris, is depicted on a vase
from the 500s
B
.
C
.

One day Priam sent servants to the mountains to fetch a bull as a prize
for a festival. When the men chose Paris's favorite bull, Paris decided to
go to Troy, enter the festival contests, and win the animal back. The
young man won all the events, defeating Priam's other sons. Agelaus
revealed Paris's true identity to Priam and, forgetting the
prophecy
, Priam welcomed Paris and restored him to his rightful place in the royal
household.

Some time later, Zeus* chose Paris to decide which of three goddesses was
the most beautiful. Eris, the goddess of strife or discord, had tossed a
golden apple inscribed with the phrase "For the Fairest"
into the midst of the guests at a wedding. Hera*, Aphrodite*, and Athena*
all claimed the prize. Each goddess promised Paris a special gift if he
decided in her favor. Hera promised to make him a powerful ruler. Athena
promised him wisdom and victory in battle. Aphrodite offered Paris the
love of the most beautiful woman in the world, Helen of Sparta. Paris
awarded the golden apple to Aphrodite. His decision, known as "the
judgment of Paris," enraged Hera and Athena, who began to plan
their revenge.

Paris abandoned his wife, Oenone, and went to Sparta. King Menelaus
welcomed Paris and introduced him to Helen, his wife. Aided by Aphrodite,
Paris won the beautiful queen's heart. While Menelaus was away, Paris
sailed off with Helen, taking part of Sparta's treasure with him.
According to some stories, Hera sent a storm that nearly destroyed their
ship, but Aphrodite protected them until they reached Troy

In the war that followed, Paris played only a minor role. As a warrior,
Paris was greatly inferior to his brother Hector*, and his cowardly nature
won little respect. At one point, Hector forced Paris to fight a
single-handed combat with Menelaus after the Trojans and Greeks agreed
that this would end the war. When Menelaus came close to winning,
Aphrodite stepped in and rescued Paris, and the war continued.

prophecy
foretelling of what is to come; also something that is predicted

Paris later killed the Greek hero Achilles* by shooting an arrow into his
heel, the only spot where Achilles could be wounded. Then Paris himself
was struck by a poisoned arrow. He was carried off the battlefield and
taken to his wife, Oenone, who had the gift of healing. Angry that Paris
had abandoned her, Oenone refused to help him. When she relented shortly
afterward, it was too late. Paris was dead.